Construction Noise Stressful for Chickens?

[Holly67]

Hello~

I live in an urban neighborhood in Seattle that's unfortunately losing many of it's singe family homes to intense housing development. It's finally right around our house: town house construction just began across the street and soon demolition starts in the alley behind us. We'll basically be surrounded by noise. I have the option of getting away from it during the day but of course my chickens don't. I know chickens are tough but at some point... I can't help but think this is going to cause them stress. There's no place else on our property where I can put them to help shelter them from the noise and I sometimes find myself fantasing about finding a currently unused roost and run somewhere in this city where they could stay temporarily. Silly I suppose. I know I'm projecting my own stress on them (I hate this neighborhood and wish I could move!!) but how hard is construction noise on chickens?

 

[Kessel23]

My chickens enjoy annoying me when i'm using power tools. They like to get right in by the action even if it is loud. I had construction work on my barn for over a month a few years ago, the chickens also seemed not to mind and would still adventure around the construction site when free ranging. I'm sure chickens do not love loud sounds blasting out all the time but I don't think it causes any severe stress problems.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I've found "construction" noise don't bother my girls, sudden noise does startle them. What does set them off is when they see something out of the unusual, like the neighbor's yard man or the guys that were constructing the rock wall.

 

[Holly67]

Thanks guys for your input on this... It's a tough call, my heart is telling me these loud projects will add stress to their lives--- especially over time (9 months). I suppose my choices are to just make them deal or find a temporary place for them to be. Long shot to find this but ya never know, the universe seems to offer up solutions when I'm truly in need.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thanks guys for your input on this... It's a tough call, my heart is telling me these loud projects will add stress to their lives--- especially over time (9 months). I suppose my choices are to just make them deal or find a temporary place for them to be. Long shot to find this but ya never know, the universe seems to offer up solutions when I'm truly in need.

Hi, welcome to BYC!

So it's only daytime noise?

I wouldn't move them. That is very stressful for chickens who are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. My birds hang out with the drill, saw, hammer... whatever's going.

Moving you risk exposing to new disease or parasite especially if another chicken owner. It likely would be harder for you to interact as well. Their care may be somewhat diminished. Plus have to move again when it's done? If you're gonna do all that, I suggest finding a new permanent home and starting over when you're ready if that's an option for you.

Chickens actually are very adaptable and I imagine it probably truly is bothering you more than them. Sorry. I know the feeling of wanting to leave a neighborhood. I hope you can realize that your chickens are probably happy and let them share their joy with you! But if being out there just burns you up from the noise, maybe letting them go to a new home will ease some of your frustration. Lot's of people are thrilled to get chickens and will treat them well, and you don't have feel bad or judged, Doing what YOU are comfortable with will always be your best choice.

How old are they now? Hope you find a comfortable solution.

 

[lazy gardener]

My girls are always front and center when we have a project going on. Yes, even the power tools need the flock's seal of approval. However this is a bit different than having jack hammers shaking the earth 10' away! You'll just have to see how they do. I think you'll find that they are amazingly resilient. What I would like to see you do is keep this thread going. Detail the noise level, the amount of disruption, and do a comparison of the girl's behavior and even their egg productivity. Should provide some interesting data.

 

[tigger19687]

I live near a small AFB but no jets. They get used to it. Occasionally the winds shifts and small 4 seater planes come over the house. They finally got used to it but do get a bit nervous at first.
There is a Crotch rocket motorcycle that works down the road once a week and he lets it rip when he goes by. Scares the hens, but finally after 6 months they got used to it too

 

[robinwhiskers]

Maybe it's because my birds are pretty much bulletproof but no noise throws them off.

 

[1cock2hens]

My neighbor is a very active man who is into constriction. he is always building something, sanding, drilling, cutting etc. there are times when his random sounds make me jump and my chickens don't even acknowledge it

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Chickens don't seem to mind loud noises unless the loud noises are sudden and unexpected. That can push a chicken's panic button.

Sudden and unexpected movement is much more likely to upset a chicken than mere sounds will.